Mumbai: Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray was laid to rest as his mortal remains were consigned to the flames on Sunday evening at his final resting place—Shivaji Park here, from where he had launched the Shiv Sena 46 years back.

A contingent of Mumbai police gave a 21-gun salute and buglers sounded the last post in the state funeral, a rare honour for someone who had never held any official position.

Amidst the chanting of holy mantras, while conducting the last rites, Uddhav led Raj by his hand, implying they be together during the sad moment, just as his father wished since the past few months.

However, only minutes before the funeral pyre was lit, Raj broke down, with tears streaming down his cheeks.

In a spontaneous outpouring of grief, a sea of humanity, unprecedented in recent memory, descended on the streets leading from "Matoshree", Thackeray`s Bandra home, along the 10 km stretch to Shivaji Park, to catch the last glimpse of the uncrowned king of Mumbai.

Bal Thackeray, 86, died on Saturday afternoon due to prolonged illness. The cremation ceremony happened in the presence of a huge crowd, according to news reports.

Thackeray, who was critically ill since last Wednesday, was declared dead last afternoon by Dr Jaleel Parkar who was treating him. The Sena chief had been suffering from respiratory problems and pancreatic disease.

All major roads and public places wore a deserted look, barring some security vehicles. Restaurants, shops and other establishments remained closed. Over a lakh autorickshaws and around 60,000 black and yellow taxis were also off the roads.